The Samsung HW-Q990D is a “soundmaster” for home theatres, and its wireless connectivity performance is commendable. After several days of testing, only occasional minor issues arose. At the same time, it supports wired HDMI eARC/ARC connections, which means you can easily control the volume and power using the TV remote, like a diligent butler always ready to serve you. If you're not particularly attached to "invisible wiring", it’s recommended to use HDMI, which is like a straight highway. This solves the occasional issue of surround speakers losing connection via Wi-Fi, especially when playing DTS Blu-ray content.

The Q990D is not without its drawbacks. It does not support analogue ports, directly cutting off the bridge to traditional devices. This means if you have an old-school turntable, you may not be able to connect it directly. While this design is somewhat disappointing, it is understandable: in the race toward futurism, old devices have inevitably become "the fallen carriage". Fortunately, it provides dual HDMI 2.1 ports, opening a "fast lane" for gamers allowing them to take full advantage of modern features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) without compromise. In contrast, the Sonos Arc Ultra falls a bit short in terms of backup inputs, giving Samsung a slight advantage.

The core competitive strength of the HW-Q990D still lies in its sound quality. The audio formats it supports can be described as a "luxury package", covering everything from Dolby Atmos to DTS: X. It’s like a multilingual traveller, able to navigate any environment with ease. Although Google Chromecast is excluded in the U.S., this isn't a fatal flaw for users accustomed to Samsung's ecosystem.

Control and setup are also highlights of Samsung's soundbar. In addition to using the remote that comes with the soundbar, you can manage various functions via the SmartThings app. Whether it’s switching sound modes, adjusting the EQ (equaliser), or activating options like the “Active Voice Enhancer”, everything is simple and intuitive, like installing an intelligent “assistant” on the device, allowing you to enjoy the best experience with minimal effort.

When it comes to sound performance, the HW-Q990D is like a well-trained symphony orchestra, with each component of its 4-piece system performing its role to deliver a stunning, smooth, and balanced soundscape. From the intense gunfire in action movies to the whispers of a concert, it can capture the emotional rhythm with ease. However, compared to Sonos Arc Ultra, which seeks to achieve extreme detail, the HW-Q990D's performance feels slightly inferior. Its sound effects are still impressive, but there is room for improvement in terms of delicacy and refinement. Nonetheless, this doesn’t stop it from transforming your living room into a private cinema, with every note-taking on life like a character on the screen injecting vitality into your viewing experience.

Music is the ultimate test for a soundbar. While it may not completely match the dynamics and clarity of bookshelf speakers, given its focus on Dolby Atmos design, it has delivered an impressive performance. The standard sound mode maintains stereo stability while virtually expanding the soundstage, making it perform exceptionally well with movie soundtracks. If your budget allows, high-end systems like Sonos Ultra would indeed be more appealing, but their prices are undoubtedly higher. For users looking to create an outstanding home theatre system with a reasonable budget, the HW-Q990D remains an exceptional choice.

However, with competitors constantly launching more disruptive products, Samsung needs more groundbreaking innovations to maintain its leading position. In this fast-changing market, without more refreshing innovations, it may soon be outpaced by other products.

（Writer：Seli）